Assessment Ratio
100%
Protest Deadline
May 15, 2026
Official Form
Form 50-132
Risk of Increase
No
How Assessment Works in Texas
Texas assesses properties at 100% of market value. Your assessed value should equal what your home would sell for on the open market. If your county appraisal district's value is higher than what comparable homes have sold for, you have strong grounds for a protest.
How to File in Texas
Online through your county appraisal district portal, by mail, or in person. Most Texas CADs accept online filings through their iFile system.
Step-by-Step
Texas Protest Process
Receive your Notice of Appraised Value from your county appraisal district (usually mailed in April).
File Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) by May 15, or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later.
Attend an informal hearing with an appraiser. Bring your comparable sales evidence and photos of any property issues.
If the informal hearing doesn't resolve your case, proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Present your evidence at the ARB hearing. The board will issue a written decision.
If you disagree with the ARB decision, you can appeal to district court, binding arbitration, or SOAH within 60 days.
FAQ
Texas Property Tax Protest Questions
Can my Texas property taxes go up if I protest?
No. Texas Property Tax Code Section 41.71 prohibits the appraisal district from raising your value during a protest. Your assessed value can only stay the same or go down. This is one of the most homeowner-friendly protest laws in the country.
What is Form 50-132?
Form 50-132 is the official "Notice of Protest" form required by the Texas Comptroller. It notifies your county appraisal district that you are formally protesting your property's assessed value. ProtestMax generates this form pre-filled with your property details.
What if I miss the May 15 deadline?
If your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed after April 15, you have 30 days from the mailing date to file. If you miss all deadlines, you cannot protest until the following year. Some districts allow late filings with good cause.
Do I need to attend a hearing in Texas?
Not always. Many Texas counties resolve protests at the informal stage through phone or in-person meetings with an appraiser. If you reach the formal ARB hearing, you can also submit evidence by affidavit in some counties without appearing in person.
What evidence works best for a Texas protest?
Comparable sales (homes similar to yours that sold for less than your assessed value) are the strongest evidence. Equity comparisons (similar homes assessed for less) also work well. Photos of property damage, deferred maintenance, or negative location factors strengthen your case.
How much can I save by protesting in Texas?
The average successful Texas protest reduces assessed value by 10-25%. On a $400,000 home with a 2.5% tax rate, a 15% reduction saves about $1,500 per year. These savings compound annually since your new baseline value carries forward.
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